The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles sponsored the 4th annual Florida Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Day (ESGR) May 22, 2014. The event was held at eight locations throughout the state (Tallahassee, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach and Ft. Myers), which provided an opportunity for state and local government officials, civic and business leaders to sign a Statement of Support with the U.S. Department of Defense pledging to support the men and women of the Guard and Reserve.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office, established in 1972, to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 4,900 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Volunteers, hailing from small business and industry, government, education and prior military service, bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, service members and their families.

The Statement of Support is a document affirming ongoing support for the men and women of the Guard and Reserve and pledging continued adherence to Federal law in terms of the employee’s Guard/Reserve duty.